Minnesota Wildfires

A dog walks along the shores of Lake Superior amid heavy wildfire smoke Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Duluth, Minn.

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Wildfire smoke makes air unhealthy from the US Midwest to East Coast. Officials say stay inside

Wildfire smoke makes air unhealthy from the US Midwest to East Coast. Officials say stay inside

Heavy smoke from wildfires is darkening skies from the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. The smoke on Thursday prompted warnings that breathing the air outside could be dangerous for people. The smoke is coming from fires that are burning primarily in Canada but also in northern Minnesota. A National Weather Service Meteorologist in Detroit says a lingering high pressure system has trapped the smoke close to the ground. Officials in many cities are urging residents to stay inside or wear masks outside as air quality reaches unhealthy to hazardous levels, meaning it’s unhealthy for anyone, regardless of health conditions.